EP1932217A2 - Electrical connector - Google Patents

Electrical connector

Info

Publication number
EP1932217A2
EP1932217A2 EP06836176A EP06836176A EP1932217A2 EP 1932217 A2 EP1932217 A2 EP 1932217A2 EP 06836176 A EP06836176 A EP 06836176A EP 06836176 A EP06836176 A EP 06836176A EP 1932217 A2 EP1932217 A2 EP 1932217A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
electrical connector
housing
lever
latch
mating
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP06836176A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1932217B1 (en
EP1932217A4 (en
Inventor
Adam P. Tyler
Joel A. Pittenger
Gregory D. Leece
Ralf Pfeilsticker
Louis M. Carrer
Jeffrey S. Campbell
Franklin A. Holub
Adam Kennedy
Richard Kakkurui
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Delphi Connection Systems Holding France SAS
Original Assignee
FCI SA
Framatome Connectors International SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by FCI SA, Framatome Connectors International SAS filed Critical FCI SA
Priority to PL06836176T priority Critical patent/PL1932217T3/en
Publication of EP1932217A2 publication Critical patent/EP1932217A2/en
Publication of EP1932217A4 publication Critical patent/EP1932217A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1932217B1 publication Critical patent/EP1932217B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/629—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances
    • H01R13/62977—Pivoting levers actuating linearly camming means
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/629—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances
    • H01R13/62933—Comprising exclusively pivoting lever
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/629—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances
    • H01R13/62933—Comprising exclusively pivoting lever
    • H01R13/62955—Pivoting lever comprising supplementary/additional locking means
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/40—Securing contact members in or to a base or case; Insulating of contact members
    • H01R13/42—Securing in a demountable manner
    • H01R13/422—Securing in resilient one-piece base or case, e.g. by friction; One-piece base or case formed with resilient locking means
    • H01R13/4223—Securing in resilient one-piece base or case, e.g. by friction; One-piece base or case formed with resilient locking means comprising integral flexible contact retaining fingers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/629—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances
    • H01R13/62905—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances comprising a camming member
    • H01R13/62922—Pair of camming plates
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/629—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances
    • H01R13/62933—Comprising exclusively pivoting lever
    • H01R13/62961—Pivoting lever having extendable handle
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R2107/00—Four or more poles

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an electrical connector and, more particularly, to an electrical connector with a lever.
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,705,882 discloses an electrical connector with a mating assistance device.
  • a lever is used to assist in connecting the electrical connector to a mating electrical connector.
  • Electrical connectors with a mating assistance device having a cam slider are also known.
  • Electrical connectors with connector position assurance (CPA) members and terminal position assurance (TPA) members are also known. There is a desire to provide an electrical connector with various improvements over conventional electrical connectors .
  • an electrical connector including a housing,- electrical contacts connected to the housing; and a mate assist system for assisting in mating the electrical connector to a mating electrical connector.
  • the mate assist system includes a lever pivotably connected to the housing, a slider slidably connected to the housing, and a system for preventing unintentional movement of the lever from an unlocked position.
  • the system for preventing unintentional movement of the lever includes a first latch adapted to be manually actuated by a user and a second latch on the slider adapted to be automatically moved by the mating electrical connector when the housing is initially mounted on the mating electrical connector. Both the first and second latches are moved to enable movement of the lever from the unlocked position.
  • an electrical connector comprising a housing; electrical contacts connected to the housing; and a lever and latch subassembly.
  • the lever and latch subassembly comprises a lever pivotably mounted to the housing and a combined latch and connector position assurance (CPA) lock movably mounted on the lever.
  • the combined latch and CPA lock comprises a latch portion and a blocking portion. The blocking portion is adapted to engage a portion of the housing to block movement of the lever on the housing from an unlocked position.
  • the latch portion is adapted to latch the lever on the hosing at a locked position.
  • an electrical connector comprising electrical contacts; a housing; a system for assisting mating of the electrical connector to a mating electrical connector; and a system for latching the lever at a predetermined location.
  • the housing comprises a main section and a wire dress cover connected to the main section.
  • the electrical contacts are connected to the main section.
  • the wire dress cover is adapted to provide a cover for wires connected to the electrical contacts.
  • the system for assisting mating comprises the lever.
  • the system for latching the lever comprises a movable latch on the lever and a latch engaging portion on the wire dress cover.
  • an electrical connector housing assembly comprising a main section; and a terminal position assurance (TPA) member movably connected to the main section at a bottom side of the main section. Electrical contacts are adapted to be inserted into the main section in a first direction.
  • the TPA member is adapted to be moved in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction from an open position to a locked position on the main section.
  • an electrical connector comprising electrical contacts; a housing having the electrical contacts connected thereto; and a system for assisting mating of the electrical connector to a mating electrical connector.
  • the system for assisting mating comprises a lever pivotably connected to the housing and a slider slidably connected to the housing.
  • the lever comprises an arm with two pivot pins.
  • the slider comprises a pivot hole having a first one of the pivot pins pivotably located in the pivot hole.
  • the slider comprises an elongate pivot pin slot having a second one of the pivot pins located in the slot for pivotable and slidable movement of the second pivot pin in the slot .
  • an electrical connector comprising an electrical contact comprising a first connection section adapted to be attached to a wire and a second connection section having a general cage adapted to receive a male contact of a mating electrical connector; and a housing having the electrical contact connected thereto.
  • the housing comprises a resilient cantilevered lock finger which is configured to slide along the cage while the electrical contact is being inserted into the housing and latch behind a rear edge of the cage to latch the electrical contact to the housing.
  • the lock finger is sized and shaped to slide over a latching hole on a side of the cage to prevent premature latching of the lock finger with the cage at the latching hole before the lock finger latches behind the rear edge of the cage.
  • an electrical connector housing assembly comprising a main housing member having a plurality of electrical contact receiving areas; and a terminal position assurance (TPA) member movably mounted to the main housing member.
  • TPA terminal position assurance
  • the TPA member comprises a male pin entry hole, a test probe entry hole, and a terminal service hole.
  • the respective male pin entry hole and the test probe entry hole are aligned in a first direction on the TPA member and the respective terminal service hole is at least partially offset from the male pin entry hole and the test probe entry hole in the first direction.
  • an electrical connector housing assembly comprising a main housing member having a plurality of electrical contact receiving areas; a mate assist system for assisting in connecting the main housing member to a mating electrical connector; and a mating electrical connector initial connection retainer system.
  • the mate assist system comprises a slider movably mounted to the main housing member.
  • the slider comprises a cam slot for receiving a cam pin of the mating electrical connector.
  • the retainer system comprises the main housing member having an entry slot for receiving the cam pin. The cam slot and the entry slot are initially partially offset to form a restricted cam pin path.
  • the retainer system Before actuation of the mate assist system, when the electrical connector housing assembly is initially mounted on the mating electrical connector, the retainer system is adapted to frictionally trap the cam pin of the mating electrical connector between portions of the entry slot and the cam slot to initially retain the electrical connector housing assembly on the mating electrical connector until the mate assist system is actuated by a user.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an electrical connector comprising features of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electrical connector shown in Fig. 1 from another direction;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the electrical connector shown in Fig. 1 from another direction showing the bottom side of the connector;
  • Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the connector shown in Fig. 1;
  • FIG. 5 is a top, front and side perspective view of a main housing member of the connector shown in Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 5A is a bottom, front and side perspective view of the main housing member shown in Fig. 5 ;
  • Fig. 5B is a partial cross sectional view of the connector shown in Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 6 is a top, front and side perspective view of the wire dress cover of the housing of the electrical connector shown in Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 7 is a bottom, rear and side perspective view of the wire dress cover shown in Fig. 6 ;
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a first step in connecting the wire dress cover of Figs. 7-8 to the main housing member shown in Figs. 5-5A;
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a second step in connecting the wire dress cover of Figs. 7-8 to the main housing member shown in Figs. 5-5A;
  • Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a third step in connecting the wire dress cover of Figs. 7-8 to the main housing member shown in Figs. 5-5A;
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one of the cam rod sliders of the electrical connector shown in Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the cam rod slider shown in Fig. 11 from an opposite side;
  • Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the lever assembly of the electrical connector shown in Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the lever assembly shown in Fig. 13 from an opposite side;
  • Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing initial connection of the electrical connector shown in Fig. 1 to a mating electrical connector;
  • Fig. 16 is a perspective view as in Fig. 15 showing a latch member of the lever assembly moved to an unlatched position
  • Fig. 17 is a side view of the connectors as shown in Fig. 16 showing the lever assembly partially moved from its forward position towards its rearward position;
  • Fig. 18 is a side view of the connectors as shown in Fig. 17 showing the lever assembly partially moved from its rearward position, but before release of the latch member;
  • Fig. 19 is a side view of the connectors as shown in Fig. 18 showing the lever assembly partially moved from its rearward position, and partial release of the latch member;
  • Fig. 20 is top and side perspective view of the connectors as shown in Fig. 19 showing the lever assembly partially moved from its rearward position, and release of the latch member, but before latching of the latch member to a latch on the housing;
  • Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the electrical connector of the invention as shown in Fig. 20 with the latch member of the lever assembly moved to its latching position with the housing;
  • Fig. 22 is a bottom, rear and side perspective view of the electrical connector shown in Fig. 1 showing the TPA member in an unlocked position on the main housing member;
  • Fig. 23 is a perspective view as in Fig. 22 showing the TPA member moved to a locked position on the main housing member;
  • Fig. 24 is a perspective view of an electrical contact used in the electrical connector shown in Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 25 is a top, rear and side perspective view of the TPA member of the electrical connector shown in Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 26 is a partial, enlarged perspective view of a bottom side of the TPA member shown in Fig. 25;
  • Fig. 27 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the electrical connector
  • Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the electrical connector shown in Fig. 27 with some of the components shown in phantom;
  • Fig. 29 is a perspective view as in Fig. 28 showing the second member of the lever assembly moved to an extended position
  • Fig. 30 is a perspective view as in Fig. 29 showing the lever assembly partially moved from its forward position towards its rearward position
  • Fig. 31 is a perspective view as in Fig. 30 showing the lever assembly moved to its rearward position, but before collapsing of the lever assembly;
  • Fig. 32 is a perspective view as in Fig. 31 without components shown in phantom,- and
  • Fig. 33 is a perspective view as in Fig. 32 showing the lever assembly at its rearward position with the lever assembly in its collapsed position.
  • FIG. 1-3 there are shown perspective views of an electrical connector 10 incorporating features of the invention.
  • the invention will be described with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the invention can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments.
  • any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.
  • the electrical connector 10 generally comprises a housing 22 and electrical contacts 24.
  • the electrical contacts 24 are connected to electrical conductors (not shown) such as wires which extend out of an aperture at the rear end 26.
  • the electrical contacts 24 are conventional electrical contacts. However, in alternate embodiments any suitable type of electrical contacts could be used.
  • the electrical contacts 24 have a first connection section 120 adapted to be attached to a wire and a second connection section 122 having a general cage 124 adapted to removably receive a male pin contact of the mating electrical connector 12 (see Figs. 15-18) .
  • a side of the cage 124 has a latching hole 126.
  • the latching hole 126 was designed for receiving a snap-lock latch of a housing.
  • the latching hole 126 is not used in this embodiment. Instead, a rear edge 128 of the cage 124 is used to latch the electrical contact to the housing. After the contacts 24 are connected to their respective wires, the contacts 24 are inserted into contact receiving areas of the housing member 28 with the cages 124 pointed towards a bottom side of the housing and the first connection section extending towards the top side of the housing.
  • the' housing 22 generally comprises a first section or main section 28 and a wire dress cover 30.
  • the connector 10 further comprises cam rods or sliders 32, a lever 34, a combined latch and connector position assurance (CPA) lock 36, a mat seal retainer 60, and a terminal position assurance
  • CPA latch and connector position assurance
  • the first section 28 forms a main housing member for the electrical contacts 24.
  • the first section 28 comprises a one-piece member made of molded plastic or polymer material.
  • the first section 28 comprises contact receiving areas 64, cam rod receiving areas 66, lever arm receiving areas 68, and a cable conductor support surface 70.
  • the contact receiving areas 64 are' adapted to have the contacts 24 mounted therein.
  • the housing 28 has a resilient, cantilevered lock finger 130. When the contact 24 is inserted into the receiving area 64 (assuming the TPA member 62 is in its unlocked or open position) , the finger 130 resiliently deflects backwards as indicated by arrow 132 and the latch section 134 snaps back behind the rear edge 128.
  • the lock finger 130 is configured to slide along the cage while the electrical contact is being inserted into the housing and latch behind the rear edge of the cage to latch the electrical contact to the housing.
  • the lock finger 130 is sized and shaped to slide over the latching hole 126 on a side of the cage to prevent premature latching of the lock finger with the cage at the latching hole 126 before the lock finger latches behind the rear edge 128 of the cage .
  • the cam rod receiving areas 66 are provided on each lateral side of the first section 28.
  • the cam rod receiving areas 66 form paths to allow the cam rods 32 to longitudinally side therein.
  • the cam rod receiving areas 66 are located inward from the lever arm receiving areas 68.
  • the cam rod receiving areas 66 have open front and rear ends.
  • the lever arm receiving areas 68 are located on each lateral side of the first section 28.
  • the lever arm receiving areas 68 each have a general V shape with a rear sloped surface 72 and a front sloped surface 74.
  • the top sides of the lever arm receiving areas 68 are generally open.
  • the first section 28 also has pivot holes 76 located at inward sides of the cam rod receiving areas 66.
  • the first section 28 also comprises cover retaining ledges 78 at the lateral sides of the first section 28 and opposing projections 80.
  • the cover 30 is preferably a one-piece molded plastic or polymer member. In alternate embodiments, features of the cover could be provided on the first section 28 or in multiple alternative members.
  • the cover 30 is adapted to be connected to the top side of the first section 28 to house extension of the conductor wires into the contact receiving areas 64 and into connection with the contacts 24.
  • the mat seal retainer 60 is housed under the cover 30 and is adapted to make individual contact with each of the conductor wires of the cable.
  • the cover 30 has two lateral sides. Each lateral side of the cover comprises an outward extending curved projection 82, inward extending mounting projections 84, and reward extending projections 40.
  • the cover 30 is preferably connected to the first section 28 by first lowering the cover 30 onto the top side of the first section as shown in Figs. 8-9, and then sliding the cover 30 rearward as shown by arrow 38 in Fig. 10.
  • the projections 40 extend into the channel sections 42 of the first section 28. Portions of the lateral sides of the cover 30 are located between the projections 80 and the cover retaining ledges 78 on the first section 28.
  • the inward extending mounting projections 84 extend under the cover retaining ledges 78.
  • the first section 28 also comprises snap-lock portions 86.
  • the front of the cover 30 snaps behind the snap-lock portions 86. Top down positioning and slide action latching of the cover 30 to the first section 28 resists conductor wire pinching.
  • other types of housing configurations could be provided.
  • each cam rod 32 preferably comprises a one-piece molded plastic or polymer member.
  • Each cam rod 32 comprises a projection receiving slot 48, a. pivot hole 88 and a lever pivot accommodation slot 90. These holes 88 and slots 48, 90 will be further described below.
  • the cam rods 32 also comprise latches 91 for latching the cam rods 32 to the first section 28 at home unlocked positions.
  • FIG. 13-14 perspective views of a combined lever and latch subassembly 35 are shown.
  • the subassembly 35 comprises the lever 34 and the combined latch and CPA lock 36.
  • the combined latch and CPA lock 36 forms a first latch which is movably mounted on the lever 34.
  • the lever 34 is preferably a one-piece molded plastic or polymer member.
  • the lever 34 comprises a head section 92 and two arm sections 94.
  • the end 50 of each arm 'section 92 comprises two pivot posts 96, 98.
  • the head section 92 has a receiving area 100.
  • the combined latch and CPA lock 36 generally comprises a head section 102, two arm sections 104 and a spring section 106.
  • the combined latch and CPA lock 36 is preferably a one-piece molded plastic or polymer member.
  • the head section 102 projects out of a top aperture 108 of the head section 92 of the lever 34.
  • the arm sections 104 are slidably received in grooves in the arm sections 94.
  • the arm sections 104 have thin areas 110 which allow the arm sections 104 to be able to bend at the thin areas 110 when the arm sections 104 are slid in the grooves. Ends of the arm sections 104 comprise blocking portions 112.
  • the spring section 106 is located at the rear side of the head section 102.
  • the spring section 106 contacts the rear end of the receiving area 100 in the lever's head section 92.
  • the spring section 106 is a closed loop shaped leaf spring.
  • any suitable spring could be provided.
  • the lever 34 is pivotably mounted to the first member 28 at pivot ends 50 on opposite sides of the first section 28.
  • the ends 50 are located at the bottom of the V shaped lever arm receiving area 68 which are at the bottom of the first section 28. This provides an ultra-low lever pivot which yields a high mechanical advantage .
  • the main pivot posts 96 extend through the longitudinal slots 90 in the cam rods 32 and are pivotably mounted in the pivot holes 76 of the first section 28.
  • the posts 96 are pivotably and slidably located relative to the slots 90.
  • the cam rods 32 can longitudinally slide as the lever 34 is rotated with the posts 96 staying located in the slots 90.
  • the slide pivot posts 98 are pivotably connected to the cam rods 32 in the pivot holes 88.
  • the lever 34 is attached to the cam rods 32 to longitudinally move the cam rods 32 along the first section between the unlocked position (shown in Figs. 1-3) and the locked position (shown in Fig. 21) when the lever 34 is rotated on the first section 28.
  • the lever 34 can be retained in the unlocked position shown in Figs. 1-3 by the combined latch and CPA lock 36.
  • the combined latch and CPA lock 36 comprises a lever latch portion 52 and a CPA lock portion 54.
  • the lever latch portion 52 comprises the blocking portions 112 which are adapted to be located behind the front ends 136 of the curved projections 82 in the unlocked position shown in Figs. 1- 3 and 15.
  • a user in order to move the lever latch portion 52 from its position in front of the curved projections 82, a user can pinch the two head sections 92 and 102 between two fingers.
  • the spring section 106 is able to resiliently deflect or collapse with the head section 102 sliding into the area 100 as shown by arrow 114 and the arm sections 104 sliding towards the ends 50 as shown by arrow 116.
  • This moves the blocking portions 112 underneath the curved projections 82.
  • the arms sections 104 are able to bend at thin areas 110.
  • the connector 10 is adapted to mate with a mating electrical connector 12.
  • the mating electrical connector 12 is a conventional electrical connector.
  • the mating electrical connector 12 comprises a housing 16 and electrical contacts.
  • the housing 16 comprises cam projections 20 on its exterior sides .
  • the projection receiving slots 48 on the cam rods 32 cooperate with the slots 47 in the first section 28 (see Fig. 3) to receive the cam projections 20 of the mating electrical connector 12. More specifically, when the lever 34 is in an unlocked position (Figs. 1-3) , the cam projections 20 can be inserted into the bottoms of the slots 47, 48.
  • the connector 10 includes a mating electrical connector initial connection retainer system.
  • a mating electrical connector initial connection retainer system might not be provided.
  • the retainer system comprises the main housing member 28 having the entry slot 47 for receiving the cam pin 20, wherein the cam slot 48 and the entry slot 47 are initially partially offset to form a restricted cam pin path.
  • the retainer system Before actuation of the mate assist system, when the electrical connector 10 is initially mounted on the mating electrical connector 12, the retainer system is adapted to frictionally trap the cam pin 20 of the mating electrical connector 12 between portions of the entry slot 47 and the cam slot 48 to initially retain the electrical connector 10 on the mating electrical connector 12 until the mate assist system is actuated by a user.
  • the connector 10 provides a system for preventing unintentional movement of the lever 34 from its unlocked position shown in Figs. 1 and 2.
  • the system for preventing unintentional movement of the lever comprises a first latch adapted to be manually actuated by a user and a second latch on the cam rods 32 adapted to be automatically moved by the mating electrical connector 12 when the connector 10 is initially mounted on the mating electrical connector.
  • the second latch uses the latches 91 on the cam rods 32.
  • the first latch comprises the member 36 and its engagement with the projection 82.
  • Both the first and second latches are moved to enable movement of the lever 34 from the forward unlocked position.
  • a redundant active/passive pre-lock lever release system is provided.
  • the active release system is on the lever latch 36 and involves the blocking sections 112.
  • the passive release system is on the cam rods 32 and involves the latches 91.
  • the cam rods 32 can cam the cam projections 20 further into the slots 47, 48 to pull the two connectors 10, 12 together. Thus, this assists in mating the connectors 10, 12 together.
  • the blocking sections 112 are located past the rear ends 138 of the curved projections 82 as seen in Fig. 18.
  • the user can release the head section 102, and the spring section 106 can then deflect the combined latch and CPA lock 36 back to its home position in the lever 34.
  • the blocking sections 112 project behind the curved projections 82 to prevent the lever 34 from being inadvertently rotated back towards the front of the connector 10.
  • the cover 30 comprises a CPA latch 58 at its rear end 26.
  • the head section 102 of the combined latch and CPA lock 36 can engage the latch 58 to prevent the combined latch and CPA lock 36 from inadvertently moving relative to the lever 34.
  • the engagement of the combined latch and CPA lock 36 with the CPA latch 58 is a manual locking action by a user.
  • the latching by the blocking section 112 is preferably an automatic latching as the user releases the pinching action or moves the blocking sections 112 past the end 138 of the projections 82.
  • Pig. 21 shows the connector 10 at its final locked position.
  • the blocking portions 112 are sufficiently long such that movement of the CPA lock portion 54 into engagement with the CPA latch does not move the blocking section 112 out of the path of the curved projection 82.
  • the lever release and rotation from the unlocked position (Figs. 1-3) to the locked position (Fig. 21) can be done by a single hand of a user.
  • the lever latch can be released after initial movement from the unlocked position because the blocking sections 112 are located under the curved projections 82 and can ride or slide along the bottom surfaces of the projections 82.
  • the user can lock the CPA by dragging his finger off the lever, moving the CPA into the latch 58, at the end of the lever rotation.
  • the connector 10 comprises a TPA member 62.
  • the TPA member 62 might not be provided.
  • the TPA member can be slid from the home unlocked position shown in Figs. 5B and 22 to the locked position shown in Fig. 23 by sliding the TPA member from front to rear (as shown by arrow 118) by a user.
  • the movement of the TPA member 62 is not between an inward position and an outward position. Instead, the movement of the TPA member 62 is from front to rear; orthogonal to the direction of connection of the connector 10 to the mating connector 12.
  • the TPA can assure the position of the contacts 24 in the first section 28 at their intended final position.
  • the TPA member has cantilevered blocking projections 140.
  • the projections 140 comprise thicker rail sections 142 and slots 144 between the thicker rail sections 142.
  • the TPA member 62 is slid to its locked position to move the thicker rail sections 142 behind each of the lock fingers 130.
  • the TPA member 62 blocks the lock fingers 130 from deflecting backwards and prevents the contacts 24 from being pulled or pushed out of the receiving areas 64.
  • the TPA member signals to the user if one or more of the contacts 24 are only partially installed. If a contact is partially installed, its corresponding lock finger would still be deflected backwards.
  • the deflected lock finger will block the TPA member 62 from moving because it is still in one of the slots 144 and does not allow the corresponding thicker rail section 142 to move behind the deflected lock finger. The user then knows that at least one contact is not properly seated in its receiving area.
  • any suitable TPA system could be provided. Alternatively a TPA system might not be provided.
  • the TPA member 62 has male pin entry holes 146, terminal service/removal holes 148 and pogo pin testing access holes 150.
  • the TPA member comprises the male pin entry hole 146, the test probe entry hole 150, and the terminal service hole 148.
  • the respective male pin entry hole 146 and the test probe entry hole 150 are aligned in a first direction 152 on the TPA member. This is a lateral direction in this embodiment .
  • the respective terminal service hole 148 is at least partially offset from the male pin entry hole 146 and the test probe entry hole 150 in the second direction 118 angled to the first direction.
  • the male pin entry hole 146 allows insertion of the male contact from the mating electrical connector 12 into the connector 10 and its intended contact 24.
  • the test probe entry hole 150 allows electrical testing of the contact 24 and its connection to its wire by allowing insertion of a test probe into the contact receiving area 64 and into contact with the electrical contact 24.
  • the terminal service hole 148 allows insertion of a tool into the contact receiving area 64 to disengage the lock finger 130 from the contact 24 and allow removal of the contact 24 from the contact receiving area 64 for servicing or replacement .
  • the offset of the terminal service hole 148 was discovered to be needed because of the need for the TPA member to be in its open or unlocked position to remove a contact.
  • the hole 148 is not aligned with its corresponding lock finger 130 when the TPA member is in its locked position.
  • the offset of the hole 148 provides alignment of the hole 148 with its corresponding lock finger 130 when the TPA member 62 is in its open position.
  • any suitable hole pattern or shape of holes could be provided.
  • the electrical connector 160 generally comprises a housing 162, electrical contacts 24, and a mate assist system 164.
  • the housing 162 comprises the main section 28 and a wire dress cover 172.
  • the wire dress cover 172 has two curved projections 82 on its opposite exterior lateral sides.
  • the cover 172 also has a deflectable latch 174 on its top side.
  • the mate assist system 164 comprises a lever assembly 166 and the cam rods or sliders 32.
  • the lever assembly 166 has a first member 168 and a second member 170.
  • the first member 168 is a pivot lever member which is pivotably connected to the housing 162.
  • the second member 170 is a telescoping member telescopically connected to the first member 168.
  • the lever assembly 166 and the wire dress cover 172 cooperate to form a first latch for limiting movement of the sliders 32.
  • the first member 168 has two arms 176 connected to each other by a top bridging section 178 to form a general upside-down U shape. As seen in Fig. 28, ends of each arm have two pivot posts 96, 98. The pivot posts 96, 98 are attached to the cam rods 32 and the housing member 28 in the same manner as described above with reference to the first embodiment.
  • the second member 170 has two arms 180 and a top bridging section 182. The arms 180 extend through slots in the bridging section 178 and are slidably located in pockets along the insides of the arms 176.
  • Figs. 27 and 28 show the lever assembly 166 in its forward pre-lock position on the housing. In this position, portions of the arms 180 are located at the front ends 136 of the projections 82. Thus, the lever assembly 166 is prevented from rotating on the housing from this position. This prevents the cam rods 32 from longitudinally sliding in the housing member 28.
  • a user can extend the second member 170 relative to the first member 168 in a general telescoping fashion. This moves the arms 180 from in front of the front ends 136 of the projections 82, and allows the user to rotate the lever assembly 166 on the housing. The cam rods or sliders 32 are, thus, moved.
  • One of the features of this second embodiment is the increased mechanical advantage or leverage that is provided.
  • the length of the lever assembly 166 is lengthened during movement of the sliders 32, there is a greater mechanical advantage provided by the lever assembly than if the lever assembly was not lengthened. Collapsing of the lever assembly also provides the advantage that the final assembly has packaging in relatively the same space constraint.
  • the second lever can be modified to act as a CPA.
  • the function is not required.
  • other types of telescoping and collapsing lever assemblies could be provided. It could also be used with other types of cam rod and housing designs .

Landscapes

  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
  • Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)

Abstract

An electrical connector including a housing; electrical contacts connected to the housing; and a mate assist system for assisting in mating the electrical connector to a mating electrical connector. The mate assist system includes a lever pivotably connected to the housing, a slider slidably connected to the housing, and a system for preventing unintentional movement of the lever from an unlocked position. The system for preventing unintentional movement of the lever includes a first latch adapted to be manually actuated by a user and a second latch on the slider adapted to be automatically moved by the mating electrical connector when the housing is initially mounted on the mating electrical connector. Both the first and second latches are moved to enable movement of the lever from the unlocked position.

Description

Electrical Connector
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The invention relates to an electrical connector and, more particularly, to an electrical connector with a lever.
Brief Description of Prior Developments
[0002] U.S. Patent No. 6,705,882 discloses an electrical connector with a mating assistance device. A lever is used to assist in connecting the electrical connector to a mating electrical connector. Electrical connectors with a mating assistance device having a cam slider are also known. Electrical connectors with connector position assurance (CPA) members and terminal position assurance (TPA) members are also known. There is a desire to provide an electrical connector with various improvements over conventional electrical connectors .
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an electrical connector is provided including a housing,- electrical contacts connected to the housing; and a mate assist system for assisting in mating the electrical connector to a mating electrical connector. The mate assist system includes a lever pivotably connected to the housing, a slider slidably connected to the housing, and a system for preventing unintentional movement of the lever from an unlocked position. The system for preventing unintentional movement of the lever includes a first latch adapted to be manually actuated by a user and a second latch on the slider adapted to be automatically moved by the mating electrical connector when the housing is initially mounted on the mating electrical connector. Both the first and second latches are moved to enable movement of the lever from the unlocked position.
[0004] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an electrical connector is provided comprising a housing; electrical contacts connected to the housing; and a lever and latch subassembly. The lever and latch subassembly comprises a lever pivotably mounted to the housing and a combined latch and connector position assurance (CPA) lock movably mounted on the lever. The combined latch and CPA lock comprises a latch portion and a blocking portion. The blocking portion is adapted to engage a portion of the housing to block movement of the lever on the housing from an unlocked position. The latch portion is adapted to latch the lever on the hosing at a locked position.
[0005] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an electrical connector is provided comprising electrical contacts; a housing; a system for assisting mating of the electrical connector to a mating electrical connector; and a system for latching the lever at a predetermined location. The housing comprises a main section and a wire dress cover connected to the main section. The electrical contacts are connected to the main section. The wire dress cover is adapted to provide a cover for wires connected to the electrical contacts. The system for assisting mating comprises the lever. The system for latching the lever comprises a movable latch on the lever and a latch engaging portion on the wire dress cover.
[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an electrical connector housing assembly is provided comprising a main section; and a terminal position assurance (TPA) member movably connected to the main section at a bottom side of the main section. Electrical contacts are adapted to be inserted into the main section in a first direction. The TPA member is adapted to be moved in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction from an open position to a locked position on the main section.
[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an electrical connector is provided comprising electrical contacts; a housing having the electrical contacts connected thereto; and a system for assisting mating of the electrical connector to a mating electrical connector. The system for assisting mating comprises a lever pivotably connected to the housing and a slider slidably connected to the housing. The lever comprises an arm with two pivot pins. The slider comprises a pivot hole having a first one of the pivot pins pivotably located in the pivot hole. The slider comprises an elongate pivot pin slot having a second one of the pivot pins located in the slot for pivotable and slidable movement of the second pivot pin in the slot .
[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an electrical connector is provided comprising an electrical contact comprising a first connection section adapted to be attached to a wire and a second connection section having a general cage adapted to receive a male contact of a mating electrical connector; and a housing having the electrical contact connected thereto. The housing comprises a resilient cantilevered lock finger which is configured to slide along the cage while the electrical contact is being inserted into the housing and latch behind a rear edge of the cage to latch the electrical contact to the housing. The lock finger is sized and shaped to slide over a latching hole on a side of the cage to prevent premature latching of the lock finger with the cage at the latching hole before the lock finger latches behind the rear edge of the cage.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an electrical connector housing assembly is provided comprising a main housing member having a plurality of electrical contact receiving areas; and a terminal position assurance (TPA) member movably mounted to the main housing member. For1 each contact receiving area the TPA member comprises a male pin entry hole, a test probe entry hole, and a terminal service hole. For each contact receiving area the respective male pin entry hole and the test probe entry hole are aligned in a first direction on the TPA member and the respective terminal service hole is at least partially offset from the male pin entry hole and the test probe entry hole in the first direction.
[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an electrical connector housing assembly is provided comprising a main housing member having a plurality of electrical contact receiving areas; a mate assist system for assisting in connecting the main housing member to a mating electrical connector; and a mating electrical connector initial connection retainer system. The mate assist system comprises a slider movably mounted to the main housing member. The slider comprises a cam slot for receiving a cam pin of the mating electrical connector. The retainer system comprises the main housing member having an entry slot for receiving the cam pin. The cam slot and the entry slot are initially partially offset to form a restricted cam pin path. Before actuation of the mate assist system, when the electrical connector housing assembly is initially mounted on the mating electrical connector, the retainer system is adapted to frictionally trap the cam pin of the mating electrical connector between portions of the entry slot and the cam slot to initially retain the electrical connector housing assembly on the mating electrical connector until the mate assist system is actuated by a user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The foregoing aspects and other features of the invention are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0012] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an electrical connector comprising features of the invention;
[0013] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the electrical connector shown in Fig. 1 from another direction;
[0014] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the electrical connector shown in Fig. 1 from another direction showing the bottom side of the connector; [0015] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the connector shown in Fig. 1;
[0016] Fig. 5 is a top, front and side perspective view of a main housing member of the connector shown in Fig. 1;
[0017] Fig. 5A is a bottom, front and side perspective view of the main housing member shown in Fig. 5 ;
[0018] Fig. 5B is a partial cross sectional view of the connector shown in Fig. 1;
[0019] Fig. 6 is a top, front and side perspective view of the wire dress cover of the housing of the electrical connector shown in Fig. 1 ;
[0020] Fig. 7 is a bottom, rear and side perspective view of the wire dress cover shown in Fig. 6 ;
[0021] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a first step in connecting the wire dress cover of Figs. 7-8 to the main housing member shown in Figs. 5-5A;
[0022] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a second step in connecting the wire dress cover of Figs. 7-8 to the main housing member shown in Figs. 5-5A;
[0023] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a third step in connecting the wire dress cover of Figs. 7-8 to the main housing member shown in Figs. 5-5A;
[0024] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of one of the cam rod sliders of the electrical connector shown in Fig. 1;
[0025] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the cam rod slider shown in Fig. 11 from an opposite side; [0026] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the lever assembly of the electrical connector shown in Fig. 1 ;
[0027] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the lever assembly shown in Fig. 13 from an opposite side;
[0028] Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing initial connection of the electrical connector shown in Fig. 1 to a mating electrical connector;
[0029] Fig. 16 is a perspective view as in Fig. 15 showing a latch member of the lever assembly moved to an unlatched position;
[0030] Fig. 17 is a side view of the connectors as shown in Fig. 16 showing the lever assembly partially moved from its forward position towards its rearward position;
[0031] Fig. 18 is a side view of the connectors as shown in Fig. 17 showing the lever assembly partially moved from its rearward position, but before release of the latch member;
[0032] Fig. 19 is a side view of the connectors as shown in Fig. 18 showing the lever assembly partially moved from its rearward position, and partial release of the latch member;
[0033] Fig. 20 is top and side perspective view of the connectors as shown in Fig. 19 showing the lever assembly partially moved from its rearward position, and release of the latch member, but before latching of the latch member to a latch on the housing; [0034] Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the electrical connector of the invention as shown in Fig. 20 with the latch member of the lever assembly moved to its latching position with the housing;
[0035] Fig. 22 is a bottom, rear and side perspective view of the electrical connector shown in Fig. 1 showing the TPA member in an unlocked position on the main housing member;
[0036] Fig. 23 is a perspective view as in Fig. 22 showing the TPA member moved to a locked position on the main housing member;
[0037] Fig. 24 is a perspective view of an electrical contact used in the electrical connector shown in Fig. 1;
[0038] Fig. 25 is a top, rear and side perspective view of the TPA member of the electrical connector shown in Fig. 1;
[0039] Fig. 26 is a partial, enlarged perspective view of a bottom side of the TPA member shown in Fig. 25;
[0040] Fig. 27 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the electrical connector;
[0041] Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the electrical connector shown in Fig. 27 with some of the components shown in phantom;
[0042] Fig. 29 is a perspective view as in Fig. 28 showing the second member of the lever assembly moved to an extended position; [0043] Fig. 30 is a perspective view as in Fig. 29 showing the lever assembly partially moved from its forward position towards its rearward position;
[0044] Fig. 31 is a perspective view as in Fig. 30 showing the lever assembly moved to its rearward position, but before collapsing of the lever assembly;
[0045] Fig. 32 is a perspective view as in Fig. 31 without components shown in phantom,- and
[0046] Fig. 33 is a perspective view as in Fig. 32 showing the lever assembly at its rearward position with the lever assembly in its collapsed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0047] Referring to Figs. 1-3, there are shown perspective views of an electrical connector 10 incorporating features of the invention. Although the invention will be described with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the invention can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.
[0048] The electrical connector 10 generally comprises a housing 22 and electrical contacts 24. The electrical contacts 24 are connected to electrical conductors (not shown) such as wires which extend out of an aperture at the rear end 26. Referring also to Fig. 24, the electrical contacts 24 are conventional electrical contacts. However, in alternate embodiments any suitable type of electrical contacts could be used. The electrical contacts 24 have a first connection section 120 adapted to be attached to a wire and a second connection section 122 having a general cage 124 adapted to removably receive a male pin contact of the mating electrical connector 12 (see Figs. 15-18) . A side of the cage 124 has a latching hole 126. The latching hole 126 was designed for receiving a snap-lock latch of a housing. However, the latching hole 126 is not used in this embodiment. Instead, a rear edge 128 of the cage 124 is used to latch the electrical contact to the housing. After the contacts 24 are connected to their respective wires, the contacts 24 are inserted into contact receiving areas of the housing member 28 with the cages 124 pointed towards a bottom side of the housing and the first connection section extending towards the top side of the housing.
[0049] Referring also to Fig. 4, the' housing 22 generally comprises a first section or main section 28 and a wire dress cover 30. The connector 10 further comprises cam rods or sliders 32, a lever 34, a combined latch and connector position assurance (CPA) lock 36, a mat seal retainer 60, and a terminal position assurance
(TPA) member 62. The first section 28 forms a main housing member for the electrical contacts 24.
[0050] Referring also to Figs. 5, 5A and 5B, the first section 28 comprises a one-piece member made of molded plastic or polymer material. The first section 28 comprises contact receiving areas 64, cam rod receiving areas 66, lever arm receiving areas 68, and a cable conductor support surface 70. The contact receiving areas 64 are' adapted to have the contacts 24 mounted therein. As seen best in Fig. 5B, for each receiving area 64, the housing 28 has a resilient, cantilevered lock finger 130. When the contact 24 is inserted into the receiving area 64 (assuming the TPA member 62 is in its unlocked or open position) , the finger 130 resiliently deflects backwards as indicated by arrow 132 and the latch section 134 snaps back behind the rear edge 128. This captures the cage 124 between the latch section 134 and the TPA member 62. The lock finger 130 is configured to slide along the cage while the electrical contact is being inserted into the housing and latch behind the rear edge of the cage to latch the electrical contact to the housing. The lock finger 130 is sized and shaped to slide over the latching hole 126 on a side of the cage to prevent premature latching of the lock finger with the cage at the latching hole 126 before the lock finger latches behind the rear edge 128 of the cage .
[0051] The cam rod receiving areas 66 are provided on each lateral side of the first section 28. The cam rod receiving areas 66 form paths to allow the cam rods 32 to longitudinally side therein. The cam rod receiving areas 66 are located inward from the lever arm receiving areas 68. In this embodiment the cam rod receiving areas 66 have open front and rear ends. The lever arm receiving areas 68 are located on each lateral side of the first section 28.
[0052] The lever arm receiving areas 68 each have a general V shape with a rear sloped surface 72 and a front sloped surface 74. The top sides of the lever arm receiving areas 68 are generally open. The first section 28 also has pivot holes 76 located at inward sides of the cam rod receiving areas 66. The first section 28 also comprises cover retaining ledges 78 at the lateral sides of the first section 28 and opposing projections 80.
[0053] Referring also to Figs. 6-7, the cover 30 is preferably a one-piece molded plastic or polymer member. In alternate embodiments, features of the cover could be provided on the first section 28 or in multiple alternative members. The cover 30 is adapted to be connected to the top side of the first section 28 to house extension of the conductor wires into the contact receiving areas 64 and into connection with the contacts 24. The mat seal retainer 60 is housed under the cover 30 and is adapted to make individual contact with each of the conductor wires of the cable. The cover 30 has two lateral sides. Each lateral side of the cover comprises an outward extending curved projection 82, inward extending mounting projections 84, and reward extending projections 40.
[0054] Referring also to Figs. 8-10, the cover 30 is preferably connected to the first section 28 by first lowering the cover 30 onto the top side of the first section as shown in Figs. 8-9, and then sliding the cover 30 rearward as shown by arrow 38 in Fig. 10. The projections 40 extend into the channel sections 42 of the first section 28. Portions of the lateral sides of the cover 30 are located between the projections 80 and the cover retaining ledges 78 on the first section 28. The inward extending mounting projections 84 extend under the cover retaining ledges 78. The first section 28 also comprises snap-lock portions 86. The front of the cover 30 snaps behind the snap-lock portions 86. Top down positioning and slide action latching of the cover 30 to the first section 28 resists conductor wire pinching. However, in alternate embodiments, other types of housing configurations could be provided.
[0055] The cam rods or sliders 32 are longitudinally slidably mounted on the first section 28 at two opposite sides of the first section. In particular, the cam rods 32 are longitudinally slidable in the cam rod receiving areas 66. Referring also to Figs. 10-11, each cam rod 32 preferably comprises a one-piece molded plastic or polymer member. Each cam rod 32 comprises a projection receiving slot 48, a. pivot hole 88 and a lever pivot accommodation slot 90. These holes 88 and slots 48, 90 will be further described below. The cam rods 32 also comprise latches 91 for latching the cam rods 32 to the first section 28 at home unlocked positions.
[0056] Referring also to Figs. 13-14, perspective views of a combined lever and latch subassembly 35 are shown. The subassembly 35 comprises the lever 34 and the combined latch and CPA lock 36. The combined latch and CPA lock 36 forms a first latch which is movably mounted on the lever 34. The lever 34 is preferably a one-piece molded plastic or polymer member. The lever 34 comprises a head section 92 and two arm sections 94. The end 50 of each arm 'section 92 comprises two pivot posts 96, 98. The head section 92 has a receiving area 100.
[0057] The combined latch and CPA lock 36 generally comprises a head section 102, two arm sections 104 and a spring section 106. The combined latch and CPA lock 36 is preferably a one-piece molded plastic or polymer member. The head section 102 projects out of a top aperture 108 of the head section 92 of the lever 34. The arm sections 104 are slidably received in grooves in the arm sections 94. The arm sections 104 have thin areas 110 which allow the arm sections 104 to be able to bend at the thin areas 110 when the arm sections 104 are slid in the grooves. Ends of the arm sections 104 comprise blocking portions 112. The spring section 106 is located at the rear side of the head section 102. The spring section 106 contacts the rear end of the receiving area 100 in the lever's head section 92. In this embodiment the spring section 106 is a closed loop shaped leaf spring. However, in alternate embodiments any suitable spring could be provided.
[0058] Referring back to Figs. 1-3 and also referring to Figs. 11-14, the lever 34 is pivotably mounted to the first member 28 at pivot ends 50 on opposite sides of the first section 28. The ends 50 are located at the bottom of the V shaped lever arm receiving area 68 which are at the bottom of the first section 28. This provides an ultra-low lever pivot which yields a high mechanical advantage .
[0059] The main pivot posts 96 extend through the longitudinal slots 90 in the cam rods 32 and are pivotably mounted in the pivot holes 76 of the first section 28. The posts 96 are pivotably and slidably located relative to the slots 90. Thus, the cam rods 32 can longitudinally slide as the lever 34 is rotated with the posts 96 staying located in the slots 90.
[0060] The slide pivot posts 98 are pivotably connected to the cam rods 32 in the pivot holes 88. The lever 34 is attached to the cam rods 32 to longitudinally move the cam rods 32 along the first section between the unlocked position (shown in Figs. 1-3) and the locked position (shown in Fig. 21) when the lever 34 is rotated on the first section 28.
[0061] As shown in Fig. 15, the lever 34 can be retained in the unlocked position shown in Figs. 1-3 by the combined latch and CPA lock 36. The combined latch and CPA lock 36 comprises a lever latch portion 52 and a CPA lock portion 54. The lever latch portion 52 comprises the blocking portions 112 which are adapted to be located behind the front ends 136 of the curved projections 82 in the unlocked position shown in Figs. 1- 3 and 15.
[0062] Referring also to Figs. 16-20, in order to move the lever latch portion 52 from its position in front of the curved projections 82, a user can pinch the two head sections 92 and 102 between two fingers. The spring section 106 is able to resiliently deflect or collapse with the head section 102 sliding into the area 100 as shown by arrow 114 and the arm sections 104 sliding towards the ends 50 as shown by arrow 116. This moves the blocking portions 112 underneath the curved projections 82. The arms sections 104 are able to bend at thin areas 110. With the lever latch portion 52 disengaged or unlatched, the user can now rotate the lever 34 rearward as seen in Fig. 17. The blocking portions 112 can move under the curved projections 82.
[0063] As seen in Figs. 15-17, the connector 10 is adapted to mate with a mating electrical connector 12. The mating electrical connector 12 is a conventional electrical connector. The mating electrical connector 12 comprises a housing 16 and electrical contacts. The housing 16 comprises cam projections 20 on its exterior sides .
[0064] The projection receiving slots 48 on the cam rods 32 cooperate with the slots 47 in the first section 28 (see Fig. 3) to receive the cam projections 20 of the mating electrical connector 12. More specifically, when the lever 34 is in an unlocked position (Figs. 1-3) , the cam projections 20 can be inserted into the bottoms of the slots 47, 48. In this embodiment, the connector 10 includes a mating electrical connector initial connection retainer system. However, in an alternate embodiment a mating electrical connector initial connection retainer system might not be provided. The retainer system comprises the main housing member 28 having the entry slot 47 for receiving the cam pin 20, wherein the cam slot 48 and the entry slot 47 are initially partially offset to form a restricted cam pin path. Before actuation of the mate assist system, when the electrical connector 10 is initially mounted on the mating electrical connector 12, the retainer system is adapted to frictionally trap the cam pin 20 of the mating electrical connector 12 between portions of the entry slot 47 and the cam slot 48 to initially retain the electrical connector 10 on the mating electrical connector 12 until the mate assist system is actuated by a user.
[0065] The connector 10 provides a system for preventing unintentional movement of the lever 34 from its unlocked position shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The system for preventing unintentional movement of the lever comprises a first latch adapted to be manually actuated by a user and a second latch on the cam rods 32 adapted to be automatically moved by the mating electrical connector 12 when the connector 10 is initially mounted on the mating electrical connector. The second latch uses the latches 91 on the cam rods 32. As the mating connector 12 is initially inserted into the first section 28, the housing 16 moves the latches 91 of the cam rods 32 out of latching engagement with the first section 28. The first latch comprises the member 36 and its engagement with the projection 82. Both the first and second latches are moved to enable movement of the lever 34 from the forward unlocked position. Thus, a redundant active/passive pre-lock lever release system is provided. The active release system is on the lever latch 36 and involves the blocking sections 112. The passive release system is on the cam rods 32 and involves the latches 91.
[0066] As the cam rods 32 are slid by the lever 34 from their forward positions to their rearward positions
(see Figs. 16-18), the cam rods 32 can cam the cam projections 20 further into the slots 47, 48 to pull the two connectors 10, 12 together. Thus, this assists in mating the connectors 10, 12 together.
[0067] When the lever 34 reaches its rearward position on the first section 28, the blocking sections 112 are located past the rear ends 138 of the curved projections 82 as seen in Fig. 18. The user can release the head section 102, and the spring section 106 can then deflect the combined latch and CPA lock 36 back to its home position in the lever 34. The blocking sections 112 project behind the curved projections 82 to prevent the lever 34 from being inadvertently rotated back towards the front of the connector 10. [0068] The cover 30 comprises a CPA latch 58 at its rear end 26. The head section 102 of the combined latch and CPA lock 36 can engage the latch 58 to prevent the combined latch and CPA lock 36 from inadvertently moving relative to the lever 34. Preferably the engagement of the combined latch and CPA lock 36 with the CPA latch 58 is a manual locking action by a user. The latching by the blocking section 112, on the other hand, is preferably an automatic latching as the user releases the pinching action or moves the blocking sections 112 past the end 138 of the projections 82. Pig. 21 shows the connector 10 at its final locked position. The blocking portions 112 are sufficiently long such that movement of the CPA lock portion 54 into engagement with the CPA latch does not move the blocking section 112 out of the path of the curved projection 82.
[0069] The lever release and rotation from the unlocked position (Figs. 1-3) to the locked position (Fig. 21) can be done by a single hand of a user. The lever latch can be released after initial movement from the unlocked position because the blocking sections 112 are located under the curved projections 82 and can ride or slide along the bottom surfaces of the projections 82. Once the combined latch and CPA lock 36 is at the position shown in Figs. 19-20, the user can lock the CPA by dragging his finger off the lever, moving the CPA into the latch 58, at the end of the lever rotation.
[0070] As shown in Figs. 3-4 the connector 10 comprises a TPA member 62. However, in alternate embodiments the TPA member 62 might not be provided. Referring also to Figs. 22-23, the TPA member can be slid from the home unlocked position shown in Figs. 5B and 22 to the locked position shown in Fig. 23 by sliding the TPA member from front to rear (as shown by arrow 118) by a user. Thus, unlike conventional TPA members, the movement of the TPA member 62 is not between an inward position and an outward position. Instead, the movement of the TPA member 62 is from front to rear; orthogonal to the direction of connection of the connector 10 to the mating connector 12. This is also orthogonal to the direction of insertion of the contacts 24 into the housing member 28. The TPA can assure the position of the contacts 24 in the first section 28 at their intended final position. As seen in Figs. 5B and 25, the TPA member has cantilevered blocking projections 140. The projections 140 comprise thicker rail sections 142 and slots 144 between the thicker rail sections 142. When the contacts 24 are initially inserted into the contact receiving areas 64, the TPA member 62 is at its unlocked position. The slots 144 are aligned with the lock fingers 130 to allow the lock fingers to deflect backward as the contacts are inserted.
[0071] After the contacts are inserted into the receiving areas, the TPA member 62 is slid to its locked position to move the thicker rail sections 142 behind each of the lock fingers 130. When moved to its locked position, the TPA member 62, thus, blocks the lock fingers 130 from deflecting backwards and prevents the contacts 24 from being pulled or pushed out of the receiving areas 64. In addition, the TPA member signals to the user if one or more of the contacts 24 are only partially installed. If a contact is partially installed, its corresponding lock finger would still be deflected backwards. Thus, when the user tries to move the TPA member 62 to its locked position, the deflected lock finger will block the TPA member 62 from moving because it is still in one of the slots 144 and does not allow the corresponding thicker rail section 142 to move behind the deflected lock finger. The user then knows that at least one contact is not properly seated in its receiving area. In alternate embodiments any suitable TPA system could be provided. Alternatively a TPA system might not be provided.
[0072] Referring also to Fig. 26, in the embodiment shown the TPA member 62 has male pin entry holes 146, terminal service/removal holes 148 and pogo pin testing access holes 150. For each contact receiving area the TPA member comprises the male pin entry hole 146, the test probe entry hole 150, and the terminal service hole 148. For each contact receiving area 64 the respective male pin entry hole 146 and the test probe entry hole 150 are aligned in a first direction 152 on the TPA member. This is a lateral direction in this embodiment . The respective terminal service hole 148 is at least partially offset from the male pin entry hole 146 and the test probe entry hole 150 in the second direction 118 angled to the first direction. The male pin entry hole 146 allows insertion of the male contact from the mating electrical connector 12 into the connector 10 and its intended contact 24. The test probe entry hole 150 allows electrical testing of the contact 24 and its connection to its wire by allowing insertion of a test probe into the contact receiving area 64 and into contact with the electrical contact 24. The terminal service hole 148 allows insertion of a tool into the contact receiving area 64 to disengage the lock finger 130 from the contact 24 and allow removal of the contact 24 from the contact receiving area 64 for servicing or replacement .
[0073] In this embodiment, the offset of the terminal service hole 148 was discovered to be needed because of the need for the TPA member to be in its open or unlocked position to remove a contact. The hole 148 is not aligned with its corresponding lock finger 130 when the TPA member is in its locked position. Thus, the offset of the hole 148 provides alignment of the hole 148 with its corresponding lock finger 130 when the TPA member 62 is in its open position. However, in alternate embodiments any suitable hole pattern or shape of holes could be provided.
[0074] Referring also to Figs. 27-33 an alternate embodiment of the invention is shown. In this embodiment the electrical connector 160 generally comprises a housing 162, electrical contacts 24, and a mate assist system 164. The housing 162 comprises the main section 28 and a wire dress cover 172. The wire dress cover 172 has two curved projections 82 on its opposite exterior lateral sides. The cover 172 also has a deflectable latch 174 on its top side.
[0075] The mate assist system 164 comprises a lever assembly 166 and the cam rods or sliders 32. The lever assembly 166 has a first member 168 and a second member 170. The first member 168 is a pivot lever member which is pivotably connected to the housing 162. The second member 170 is a telescoping member telescopically connected to the first member 168. The lever assembly 166 and the wire dress cover 172 cooperate to form a first latch for limiting movement of the sliders 32.
[0076] The first member 168 has two arms 176 connected to each other by a top bridging section 178 to form a general upside-down U shape. As seen in Fig. 28, ends of each arm have two pivot posts 96, 98. The pivot posts 96, 98 are attached to the cam rods 32 and the housing member 28 in the same manner as described above with reference to the first embodiment. The second member 170 has two arms 180 and a top bridging section 182. The arms 180 extend through slots in the bridging section 178 and are slidably located in pockets along the insides of the arms 176.
[0077] Figs. 27 and 28 show the lever assembly 166 in its forward pre-lock position on the housing. In this position, portions of the arms 180 are located at the front ends 136 of the projections 82. Thus, the lever assembly 166 is prevented from rotating on the housing from this position. This prevents the cam rods 32 from longitudinally sliding in the housing member 28.
[0078] As seen in Figs. 29 and 30, a user can extend the second member 170 relative to the first member 168 in a general telescoping fashion. This moves the arms 180 from in front of the front ends 136 of the projections 82, and allows the user to rotate the lever assembly 166 on the housing. The cam rods or sliders 32 are, thus, moved.
[0079] As seen in Figs. 31-33, when the lever assembly 166 reaches its rearward final lock position on the housing, the cam rods have been moved to their final connection positions. The first member 168 has a latch projection 184 which latches with the deflectable latch 174. This locks the first member 168 at its rearward position. The user can collapse the second member 170 back into the first member 168. Portions of the arms 180 are moved behind the rear ends 138 of the projections 82. Thus, the lever assembly 166 engages the cover 172 at multiple locations (including the projections 82 and the latch 174) to prevent inadvertent, unintentional movement of the lever assembly and the mate assist system.
[0080] One of the features of this second embodiment is the increased mechanical advantage or leverage that is provided. In particular, because the length of the lever assembly 166 is lengthened during movement of the sliders 32, there is a greater mechanical advantage provided by the lever assembly than if the lever assembly was not lengthened. Collapsing of the lever assembly also provides the advantage that the final assembly has packaging in relatively the same space constraint. Also, the second lever can be modified to act as a CPA. However, in this embodiment the function is not required. In alternate embodiments, other types of telescoping and collapsing lever assemblies could be provided. It could also be used with other types of cam rod and housing designs .
[0081] It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:
1. An electrical connector comprising:
a housing;
electrical contacts connected to the housing; and
a mate assist system for assisting in mating the electrical connector to a mating electrical connector, wherein the mate assist system comprises a lever pivotably connected to the housing, a slider slidably connected to the housing, and a system for preventing unintentional movement of the lever from an unlocked position, wherein the system for preventing unintentional movement of the lever comprises a first latch adapted to be manually actuated by a user and a second latch on the slider adapted to be automatically moved by the mating electrical connector when the housing is initially mounted on the mating electrical connector, wherein both the first and second latches are moved to enable movement of the lever from the unlocked position.
2. An electrical connector as in claim 1 wherein the mate assist system comprises a combined lever and latch subassembly comprising the lever and the first latch movably mounted on the lever.
3. An electrical connector as in claim 2 wherein the first latch comprises a combined latch and lock member comprising a spring section, a blocker section and a latch section.
4. An electrical connector as in claim 3 wherein the combined latch and lock member further comprises a flexible arm connecting the blocker section to the latch section.
5. An electrical connector as in claim 3 wherein the spring section comprises a closed spring loop.
6. An electrical connector as in claim 3 wherein the housing comprises a wire dress cover having a projection on an exterior side adapted to engage the blocker section to prevent the lever from moving until the blocker section is moved out of a path of the projection.
7. An electrical connector as in claim 3 wherein the housing comprises a wire dress cover having a latch surface adapted to engage the latch section.
8. An electrical connector as in claim 1 wherein the lever comprises an arm with two pivot pins, wherein the slider comprises a pivot hole having a first one of the pivot pins pivotably located in the pivot hole, and wherein the slider comprises an elongate pivot pin slot having a second one of the pivot pins located in the slot for pivotable and slidable movement of the second pivot pin in the slot .
9. An electrical connector as in claim 1 wherein the housing comprises:
a main section; and
a terminal position assurance (TPA) member movably connected to the main section at a bottom side of the main section, wherein the electrical contacts are adapted to be inserted into the main section in a first direction, and wherein the TPA member is adapted to be moved in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction from an open position to a locked position on the main section.
10. An electrical connector as in claim 1 wherein the housing comprises a resilient cantilevered lock finger which is configured to slide along a cage of a first one of the electrical contacts while the first electrical contact is being inserted into the housing and latch behind a rear edge of the cage to latch the first electrical contact to the housing, and wherein the lock finger is sized and shaped to slide over a latching hole on a side of the cage to prevent premature latching of the lock finger with the cage at the latching hole before the lock finger latches behind the rear edge of the cage.
11. An electrical connector as in claim 1 wherein the housing comprises:
a main housing member having a plurality of electrical contact receiving areas,- and
a terminal position assurance (TPA) member movably mounted to the main housing member, wherein for each contact receiving area the TPA member comprises a male pin entry hole, a test probe entry hole, and a terminal service hole, wherein for each contact receiving area the respective male pin entry hole and the test probe entry hole are aligned in a first direction on the TPA member and the respective terminal service hole is at least partially offset from the male pin entry hole and the test probe entry hole in a second direction.
12. An electrical connector as in claim 1 further comprising a mating electrical connector initial connection retainer system, wherein the retainer system comprises the main housing member having an entry slot for receiving the cam pin, wherein the cam slot and the entry slot are initially partially offset to form a restricted cam pin path, and wherein before actuation of the mate assist system when the electrical connector housing assembly is initially mounted on the mating electrical connector the retainer system is adapted to frictionally trap the cam pin of the mating electrical connector between portions of the entry slot and the cam slot to initially retain the electrical connector housing assembly on the mating electrical connector until the mate assist system is actuated by a user.
13. An electrical connector as in claim 1 wherein the first latch comprises the lever having a telescoping member telescopically connected to a pivot lever member which is pivotably connected to the housing.
14. An electrical connector as in claim 13 wherein the housing comprises a wire dress cover with a projection on an exterior side, and wherein the lever is prevented from pivoting on the housing until the telescoping member is moved to an extended position.
15. An electrical connector comprising:
a housing;
electrical contacts connected to the housing; and
a lever and latch subassembly comprising a lever pivotably mounted to the housing and a combined latch and connector position assurance (CPA) lock movably mounted on the lever, wherein the combined latch and CPA lock comprises a latch portion and a blocking portion, wherein the blocking portion is adapted to engage a portion of the housing to block movement of the lever on the housing from an unlocked position, and wherein the latch portion is adapted to latch the lever on the hosing at a locked position.
16. An electrical connector comprising:
electrical contacts;
a housing comprising a main section and a wire dress cover connected to the main section, wherein the electrical contacts are connected to the main section, and wherein the wire dress cover is adapted to provide a cover for wires connected to the electrical contacts;
a system for assisting mating of the electrical connector to a mating electrical connector, wherein the system for assisting mating comprises a lever; and
a system for latching the lever at a predetermined location, wherein the system for latching the lever comprises a movable latch on the lever and a latch engaging portion on the wire dress cover.
17. An electrical connector housing assembly comprising:
a main section; and a terminal position assurance (TPA) member movably connected to the main section at a bottom side of the main section, wherein electrical contacts are adapted to be inserted into the main section in a first direction, and wherein the TPA member is adapted to be moved in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction from an open position to a locked position on the main section.
18. An electrical connector comprising:
electrical contacts;
a housing having the electrical contacts connected thereto; and
a system for assisting mating of the electrical connector to a mating electrical connector, wherein the system for assisting mating comprises a lever pivotably connected to the housing and a slider slidably connected to the housing, wherein the lever comprises an arm with two pivot pins, wherein the slider comprises a pivot hole having a first one of the pivot pins pivotably located in the pivot hole, and wherein the slider comprises an elongate pivot pin slot having a second one of the pivot pins located in the slot for pivotable and slidable movement of the second pivot pin in the slot .
19. An electrical connector comprising:
an electrical contact comprising a first connection section adapted to be attached to a wire and a second connection section having a general cage adapted to receive a male contact of a mating electrical connector; and
a housing having the electrical contact connected thereto, wherein the housing comprises a resilient cantilevered lock finger which is configured to slide along the cage while the electrical contact is being inserted into the housing and latch behind a rear edge of the cage to latch the electrical contact to the housing, and wherein the lock finger is sized and shaped to slide over a latching hole on a side of the cage to prevent premature latching of the lock finger with the cage at the latching hole before the lock finger latches behind the rear edge of the cage .
20. An electrical connector housing assembly comprising:
a main housing member having a plurality of electrical contact receiving areas; and
a terminal position assurance (TPA) member movably mounted to the main housing member, wherein for each contact receiving area the TPA member comprises a male pin entry hole, a test probe entry hole, and a terminal service hole, wherein for each contact receiving area the respective male pin entry hole and the test probe entry hole are aligned in a first direction on the TPA member and the respective terminal service hole is at least partially offset from the male pin entry hole and the test probe entry hole in a second direction.
21. An electrical connector housing assembly comprising: a main housing member having a plurality of electrical contact receiving areas;
a mate assist system for assisting in connecting the main housing member to a mating electrical connector, wherein the mate assist system comprises a slider movably mounted to the main housing member, wherein the slider comprises a cam slot for receiving a cam pin . of the mating electrical connector; and
a mating electrical connector initial connection retainer system, the retainer system comprising the main housing member having an entry slot for receiving the cam pin, wherein the cam slot and the entry slot are initially partially offset to form a restricted cam pin path, and wherein before actuation of the mate assist system when the electrical connector housing assembly is initially mounted on the mating electrical connector the retainer system is adapted to frictionally trap the cam pin of the mating electrical connector between portions of the entry slot and the cam slot to initially retain the electrical connector housing assembly on the mating electrical connector until the mate assist system is actuated by a user.
EP06836176A 2005-10-06 2006-10-05 Electrical connector comprising two latches Active EP1932217B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL06836176T PL1932217T3 (en) 2005-10-06 2006-10-05 Electrical connector comprising two latches

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US72484005P 2005-10-06 2005-10-06
US72709405P 2005-10-14 2005-10-14
US11/527,784 US7361036B2 (en) 2005-10-06 2006-09-26 Electrical connector with lever and latch
PCT/US2006/038775 WO2007044393A2 (en) 2005-10-06 2006-10-05 Electrical connector

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1932217A2 true EP1932217A2 (en) 2008-06-18
EP1932217A4 EP1932217A4 (en) 2011-11-30
EP1932217B1 EP1932217B1 (en) 2013-01-16

Family

ID=37943342

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06836176A Active EP1932217B1 (en) 2005-10-06 2006-10-05 Electrical connector comprising two latches

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (3) US7361036B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1932217B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2009512141A (en)
CN (2) CN101283487B (en)
BR (1) BRPI0617982A2 (en)
CA (1) CA2623921A1 (en)
PL (1) PL1932217T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2007044393A2 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3249759A1 (en) * 2016-05-24 2017-11-29 Delphi International Operations Luxembourg S.à r.l. Electrical connector with mate-assist lever and integrated cpa

Families Citing this family (77)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7361036B2 (en) * 2005-10-06 2008-04-22 Fci Americas Technology, Inc. Electrical connector with lever and latch
JP4153541B2 (en) * 2006-09-13 2008-09-24 タイコエレクトロニクスアンプ株式会社 Lever type electrical connector
DE102006058680A1 (en) * 2006-12-13 2008-06-19 Kostal Kontakt Systeme Gmbh Electrical connector
JP4494443B2 (en) * 2007-08-10 2010-06-30 タイコエレクトロニクスジャパン合同会社 Lever type connector
JP4943995B2 (en) * 2007-11-05 2012-05-30 矢崎総業株式会社 Lever type connector
US7914327B2 (en) * 2008-01-23 2011-03-29 Fci Americas Technology, Inc. Electrical connector
CN101546818B (en) * 2008-03-26 2012-11-21 深圳富泰宏精密工业有限公司 Battery cover structure and electronic device applying same
JP4468465B2 (en) * 2008-03-28 2010-05-26 タイコエレクトロニクスジャパン合同会社 Lever type connector
JP2009252488A (en) * 2008-04-04 2009-10-29 Tyco Electronics Amp Kk Lever type connector
JP2009259442A (en) * 2008-04-14 2009-11-05 Molex Inc Connector
JP4545810B2 (en) * 2008-06-20 2010-09-15 日本電気株式会社 Connection object fitting / removal drive device, connector device
US7686631B1 (en) * 2008-12-12 2010-03-30 J.S.T. Corporation Electrical connector with a latch mechanism
US7611365B1 (en) 2009-01-13 2009-11-03 Yazaki North America, Inc. Connector
JP4523987B1 (en) * 2009-02-27 2010-08-11 タイコエレクトロニクスジャパン合同会社 Connector with slide cam
JP5360987B2 (en) * 2009-09-24 2013-12-04 矢崎総業株式会社 Lever type connector
JP5534501B2 (en) * 2009-10-09 2014-07-02 矢崎総業株式会社 Lever type connector
JP5500680B2 (en) * 2010-03-26 2014-05-21 タイコエレクトロニクスジャパン合同会社 Lever type electrical connector
US8292652B2 (en) 2010-04-01 2012-10-23 Tyco Electronics Corporation Electrical connector having a latch lock
KR101682244B1 (en) * 2010-04-29 2016-12-02 타이코에이엠피 주식회사 Having a cable cover Connector
JP2011238407A (en) * 2010-05-07 2011-11-24 Sumitomo Wiring Syst Ltd Connector
JP5666180B2 (en) 2010-07-06 2015-02-12 矢崎総業株式会社 Lever type connector
FR2962857B1 (en) * 2010-07-16 2016-09-09 Tyco Electronics France Sas CONNECTOR WITH CPA DEVICE ON LOCKING ELEMENT
JP5588773B2 (en) * 2010-07-28 2014-09-10 タイコエレクトロニクスジャパン合同会社 Wire cover, electrical connector
US8439702B2 (en) 2010-09-24 2013-05-14 Ortronics, Inc. High density jack
US8672709B2 (en) 2010-09-24 2014-03-18 Ortronics, Inc. High density jack
JP5624874B2 (en) * 2010-12-24 2014-11-12 タイコエレクトロニクスジャパン合同会社 Lever type connector, wire cover
CN102593661B (en) 2011-01-14 2014-07-02 富士康(昆山)电脑接插件有限公司 Electric connector
JP5662207B2 (en) * 2011-03-15 2015-01-28 矢崎総業株式会社 Mating assist jig
JP5820290B2 (en) * 2012-02-08 2015-11-24 矢崎総業株式会社 Lever type connector
WO2013123154A1 (en) * 2012-02-14 2013-08-22 Ortronics, Inc. High density jack
USD740231S1 (en) * 2012-04-12 2015-10-06 Phoenix Contact Gmbh & Co. Kg Relay retaining bracket
US8784127B2 (en) 2012-06-11 2014-07-22 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Electrical connection system including mating assist lever that contains locking means and connector position assurance member that interacts therewith
JP5843167B2 (en) * 2012-11-15 2016-01-13 住友電装株式会社 Lever type connector
US8882521B2 (en) * 2012-12-03 2014-11-11 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Lever type connector with enviromental cover
DE202013000998U1 (en) 2013-01-31 2014-02-19 Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH Electrical connector and electrical connector with such a connector
USD744886S1 (en) * 2013-05-09 2015-12-08 Knottology, Llc Whistle clasp
US8944849B1 (en) 2013-07-25 2015-02-03 Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Electrical connector with two ground bars connecting each other
EP2863489A1 (en) * 2013-10-16 2015-04-22 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Connector assembly with integrated lever locking system
US9153894B2 (en) * 2013-11-11 2015-10-06 Yazaki North America, Inc. Terminal position assurance with dual primary lock reinforcement and independent secondary lock
US9847610B2 (en) 2014-01-16 2017-12-19 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Electric vehicle service disconnect position indicator
EP3958405B1 (en) * 2014-02-06 2024-08-28 Amphenol FCI Asia Pte. Ltd. Connector assembly
KR101503507B1 (en) * 2014-04-09 2015-03-18 주식회사 경신 Connector for vehicle
US9260080B2 (en) 2014-04-14 2016-02-16 Ford Global Technologies, Inc. Electric vehicle service disconnect lock
JP6339873B2 (en) 2014-06-27 2018-06-06 モレックス エルエルシー connector
CN105870722B (en) * 2015-01-22 2024-06-21 安波福中央电气（上海）有限公司 Connector device with cantilever structure
JP2016207414A (en) * 2015-04-21 2016-12-08 住友電装株式会社 connector
FR3044173B1 (en) * 2015-11-20 2019-05-17 Aptiv Technologies Limited CONNECTOR WITH CONNECTION ASSEMBLY SLIDE AND GUIDE-CABLE HOOD
EP3171462B1 (en) * 2015-11-23 2020-06-17 TE Connectivity Germany GmbH Electric connector with secondary locking member and electric connector assembly
JP6324364B2 (en) * 2015-12-11 2018-05-16 矢崎総業株式会社 Connector wire cover
US9748693B1 (en) 2016-02-10 2017-08-29 Yazaki North America, Inc. Connector position assurance with identification feature
JP6607088B2 (en) * 2016-03-04 2019-11-20 住友電装株式会社 connector
FR3050578B1 (en) * 2016-04-26 2020-08-14 Amphenol - Air Lb LEVER CONNECTOR AND PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD WITH SUCH CONNECTORS
US9692153B1 (en) 2016-08-03 2017-06-27 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Connection system having a U-shaped handle with legs slidably or rotatably attached to a cam lever
EP3322041B1 (en) * 2016-11-09 2019-10-30 Aptiv Technologies Limited Connector assembly with integrated lever locking system
DE102017003296B3 (en) * 2017-04-04 2018-05-30 Te Connectivity Germany Gmbh Connector and method for making a connector
JP2018181575A (en) * 2017-04-12 2018-11-15 タイコエレクトロニクスジャパン合同会社 Electric connector
DE102017125860A1 (en) * 2017-11-06 2019-05-09 Harting Electric Gmbh & Co. Kg Locking clip for a connector housing
IT201700057059A1 (en) * 2017-05-25 2018-11-25 Tyco Electronics Amp Italia Srl ELECTRIC CONNECTOR WITH TELESCOPIC STRUCTURE
DE102017119057B3 (en) * 2017-08-21 2018-11-08 Harting Electric Gmbh & Co. Kg System of two connector housings and a locking device
KR102474812B1 (en) * 2017-12-12 2022-12-06 현대자동차주식회사 Connector apparatus for engine control unit
DE102017223810B3 (en) * 2017-12-27 2019-03-28 Te Connectivity Germany Gmbh Plug with an extendable lever arrangement
CN109980435B (en) * 2017-12-28 2020-07-21 盐城世明电子器件有限公司 Electrical connector with position retention
FR3078447B1 (en) * 2018-02-27 2020-11-27 Delphi Int Operations Luxembourg Sarl CONNECTOR WITH LOCKING THE CONNECTION ASSISTANCE LEVER
DE102018009478A1 (en) * 2018-12-04 2020-06-04 Kostal Kontakt Systeme Gmbh Connector arrangement
JP7183871B2 (en) * 2019-03-05 2022-12-06 住友電装株式会社 lever type connector
JP7089679B2 (en) * 2019-03-28 2022-06-23 住友電装株式会社 Lever type connector
JP7021150B2 (en) * 2019-05-27 2022-02-16 矢崎総業株式会社 How to assemble the lever type connector and the lever type connector
CN112152013B (en) * 2019-06-26 2022-04-08 莫列斯有限公司 Electrical connector and electrical connector assembly
US11171450B2 (en) 2019-07-12 2021-11-09 International Business Machines Corporation Method and apparatus for the alignment and locking of removable elements with a connector
US20220263270A1 (en) * 2019-07-16 2022-08-18 Tyco Electronics Japan G.K. Connector
CN110492299A (en) * 2019-07-26 2019-11-22 深圳市长盈精密技术股份有限公司 Socket and connector assembly
KR20210033153A (en) * 2019-09-18 2021-03-26 현대자동차주식회사 Connector assembly with a connector position assurance member
EP3975346A1 (en) * 2020-09-25 2022-03-30 Aptiv Technologies Limited Electrical connector assembly with mating lever, system comprising such assembly and method for mating such system
GB2601164A (en) * 2020-11-20 2022-05-25 Aptiv Tech Ltd Electrical Connector With A Lever Pre-Locking Member And Connector Release Mechanism At Pre-Mating
CN113036524B (en) * 2021-02-15 2022-10-25 中山得意电子有限公司 Electric connector and electric connector combination
DE102021112898A1 (en) * 2021-05-18 2022-11-24 Te Connectivity Germany Gmbh Plug and plug set with a lever extension
US11710927B2 (en) 2021-06-01 2023-07-25 Lear Corporation Electrical connector with connector position assurance and mechanical assist

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030068910A1 (en) * 2001-09-24 2003-04-10 Claude Casses Connector with a mating assistance device
US6824406B1 (en) * 2003-06-26 2004-11-30 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Electrical connector assembly

Family Cites Families (40)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1615739B1 (en) * 1967-04-29 1971-03-25 Messerschmitt Boelkow Blohm Electrical plug connection for remotely steerable missiles
US4332432A (en) * 1978-12-06 1982-06-01 Molex Incorporated Low insertion force connector assembly
US4684190A (en) * 1986-03-05 1987-08-04 General Motors Corporation Sealed electrical connector with shroud
JPH04160775A (en) * 1990-10-22 1992-06-04 Yazaki Corp Connector with fitting operation cam member
JP2624049B2 (en) * 1991-09-13 1997-06-25 住友電装株式会社 connector
DE4241256C2 (en) * 1992-12-08 2001-08-16 Framatome Connectors Int Electrical connector
JP2911020B2 (en) * 1994-03-28 1999-06-23 矢崎総業株式会社 Electrical connection terminal
JPH0837057A (en) * 1994-07-25 1996-02-06 Yazaki Corp Coupling device for connector
US6048229A (en) * 1995-05-05 2000-04-11 The Boeing Company Environmentally resistant EMI rectangular connector having modular and bayonet coupling property
US5921791A (en) * 1996-04-09 1999-07-13 Harness System Technologies Research, Ltd. Connector connecting structure
US6120308A (en) * 1997-07-01 2000-09-19 Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. Electrical connector assembly which can be rotatably connected and disconnected
JP3237580B2 (en) * 1997-08-18 2001-12-10 住友電装株式会社 Lever connector
JP3608764B2 (en) * 1998-02-19 2005-01-12 矢崎総業株式会社 LIF connector
US5928038A (en) * 1998-04-24 1999-07-27 Molex Incorporated Electrical connector position assurance system
IT1303186B1 (en) * 1998-11-27 2000-10-30 Framatome Connectors Italia ELECTRIC CONNECTOR.
JP3693149B2 (en) * 1999-01-11 2005-09-07 住友電装株式会社 connector
JP3702415B2 (en) * 1999-09-06 2005-10-05 矢崎総業株式会社 Double locking connector
US6305990B1 (en) * 2000-05-08 2001-10-23 Tyco Electronics Corp Sealed electrical connector with secondary locking
US6666698B2 (en) * 2000-08-17 2003-12-23 Tyco Electronics Corporation Arc limiting electrical connector assembly
JP3646867B2 (en) * 2000-09-29 2005-05-11 住友電装株式会社 connector
JP3492309B2 (en) * 2000-11-02 2004-02-03 エフシーアイジャパン株式会社 connector
DE10057428B4 (en) * 2000-11-20 2006-05-18 Ria-Btr Produktions-Gmbh terminal
US6551145B2 (en) * 2000-12-19 2003-04-22 Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. Connector
US6514098B2 (en) * 2000-12-28 2003-02-04 Tyco Electronics Corporation Electrical connector with terminal and connector position assurance devices
US6475004B2 (en) * 2001-01-09 2002-11-05 Tyco Electronics Corporation Connector assembly with an engagement assist member and connector position assurance device
US6896531B2 (en) * 2001-02-27 2005-05-24 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Electrical connector assembly
JP2002270282A (en) * 2001-03-12 2002-09-20 Yazaki Corp Waterproof connector and terminal insertion method of waterproof connector
ITTO20010290A1 (en) 2001-03-27 2002-09-27 Framatome Connectors Italia ELECTRIC CONNECTOR.
JP3601474B2 (en) * 2001-05-29 2004-12-15 住友電装株式会社 Lever type connector
JP2003007388A (en) * 2001-06-18 2003-01-10 Sumitomo Wiring Syst Ltd Connector
DE60223135T2 (en) * 2002-06-06 2008-08-07 Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Yokkaichi A connector, an unlocking member and a method
US20040192090A1 (en) * 2003-03-28 2004-09-30 Flowers Robert J. Lever type electrical connector with CPA member
JP2005174681A (en) 2003-12-10 2005-06-30 Japan Storage Battery Co Ltd Attachment and detachment mechanism
US6971894B2 (en) * 2004-03-31 2005-12-06 Jst Corporation Dual action mechanical assisted connector
US7070438B2 (en) * 2004-03-31 2006-07-04 Jst Corporation Connector lever lock
US6899554B1 (en) * 2004-04-19 2005-05-31 Jst Corporation Dual action mechanical assisted connector
US7004769B1 (en) * 2004-08-20 2006-02-28 Molex Incorporated Lever type electrical connector with slide members having dual latching and feedback functions
JP4356567B2 (en) * 2004-09-09 2009-11-04 住友電装株式会社 connector
DE602005003890T2 (en) * 2004-09-28 2008-12-11 Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Yokkaichi Connector and connector assembly
US7361036B2 (en) * 2005-10-06 2008-04-22 Fci Americas Technology, Inc. Electrical connector with lever and latch

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030068910A1 (en) * 2001-09-24 2003-04-10 Claude Casses Connector with a mating assistance device
US6824406B1 (en) * 2003-06-26 2004-11-30 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Electrical connector assembly

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of WO2007044393A2 *

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3249759A1 (en) * 2016-05-24 2017-11-29 Delphi International Operations Luxembourg S.à r.l. Electrical connector with mate-assist lever and integrated cpa

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN101283487B (en) 2010-09-08
EP1932217B1 (en) 2013-01-16
WO2007044393A2 (en) 2007-04-19
US20070099461A1 (en) 2007-05-03
CN101908688B (en) 2012-01-25
BRPI0617982A2 (en) 2011-08-09
CA2623921A1 (en) 2007-04-19
WO2007044393A3 (en) 2007-12-13
CN101908688A (en) 2010-12-08
US20080166903A1 (en) 2008-07-10
CN101283487A (en) 2008-10-08
US7559778B2 (en) 2009-07-14
PL1932217T3 (en) 2013-06-28
US7361036B2 (en) 2008-04-22
US20090221167A1 (en) 2009-09-03
EP1932217A4 (en) 2011-11-30
JP2009512141A (en) 2009-03-19
US7695297B2 (en) 2010-04-13

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7361036B2 (en) Electrical connector with lever and latch
US6234826B1 (en) Connector position assurance device
EP1369964B1 (en) Connector Position Assurance Device
EP0984522B1 (en) Electrical connector position assurance system
US6312277B1 (en) Connector position assurance device for a connector
US7744390B2 (en) Electrical connector assembly with connection assist
EP1235311B1 (en) Electrical connector assembly with a laterally deflectable latch member and CPA
CA2519472C (en) Electrical connector having connector position assurance member
US7462047B2 (en) Electrical connector assembly with connection assist
EP1653565B1 (en) Electric connector
CA2512581C (en) Electrical connector having connector position assurance member
US7255593B2 (en) Electrical connector with connector position assurance (CPA) member
EP1054481A1 (en) A connector
EP1923963A2 (en) Electrical Connector Latch
US20030003787A1 (en) Staged lock feature for an electrical connector assembly having a cam mating device
US20060286834A1 (en) Connector and connector assembly of the movable member type
EP2235799A1 (en) Electrical connector
US6419507B2 (en) Connector with detecting unit
US6561833B2 (en) Connector and a method for assembling a connector
JP2004095439A (en) Connector with detection member
JPH10106676A (en) Slide connector with less insertion force
JPH0864305A (en) Connection detecting apparatus for connector
CN114696146A (en) Electrical connector

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20080320

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA HR MK RS

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: FCI

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: FCI AUTOMOTIVE HOLDING

A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20111027

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: H01R 13/639 20060101ALN20111021BHEP

Ipc: H01R 13/629 20060101AFI20111021BHEP

Ipc: H01R 107/00 20060101ALN20111021BHEP

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20111118

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: H01R 13/639 20060101ALN20120614BHEP

Ipc: H01R 13/629 20060101AFI20120614BHEP

Ipc: H01R 107/00 20060101ALN20120614BHEP

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: H01R 13/629 20060101AFI20120618BHEP

Ipc: H01R 107/00 20060101ALN20120618BHEP

Ipc: H01R 13/639 20060101ALN20120618BHEP

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R079

Ref document number: 602006034292

Country of ref document: DE

Free format text: PREVIOUS MAIN CLASS: H01R0013620000

Ipc: H01R0013629000

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: H01R 13/639 20060101ALN20121030BHEP

Ipc: H01R 107/00 20060101ALN20121030BHEP

Ipc: H01R 13/629 20060101AFI20121030BHEP

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 594332

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20130215

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602006034292

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20130314

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 594332

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20130116

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20130116

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PL

Ref legal event code: T3

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130416

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130116

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130116

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130516

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130116

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130427

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130116

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130116

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130116

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130516

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130116

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130417

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130116

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130116

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130116

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130116

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130116

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130116

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: HU

Ref legal event code: AG4A

Ref document number: E017250

Country of ref document: HU

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20131017

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130116

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602006034292

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20131017

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130116

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20131031

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20131031

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: TP

Owner name: DELPHI INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS LUXEMBOURG S.A, LU

Effective date: 20140715

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20131005

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: 732E

Free format text: REGISTERED BETWEEN 20150226 AND 20150304

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130116

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130116

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20131005

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 10

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 11

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 12

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 13

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Payment date: 20180918

Year of fee payment: 13

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R081

Ref document number: 602006034292

Country of ref document: DE

Owner name: APTIV TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED, BB

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: FCI AUTOMOTIVE HOLDING, GUYANCOURT, FR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: 732E

Free format text: REGISTERED BETWEEN 20181213 AND 20181219

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Payment date: 20181004

Year of fee payment: 13

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191006

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191005

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230519

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20231017

Year of fee payment: 18

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20240912

Year of fee payment: 19

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20240918

Year of fee payment: 19